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provides many types of learning experiences that teach life skills such as confidence, leadership, and responsibility. 4-H youth develop relationships with caring adult volunteers who provide a safe environment in which to participate in “hands on” learning experiences. 4-H volunteers and parents work together to provide youth with programming that focuses on community service, excellence in education, fairness in competitive activities and the development of skills and abilities that will last a lifetime.
This year 4-H members in Grand Traverse County participated in a variety of learning experiences. Our Pioneers Outdoor Adventure 4-H club took 4-H’ers on hiking, backpacking and other outdoor adventures. Six new clubs were formed, ranging in project areas from shooting sports to robotics, and youth leadership to animal science. Youth had the opportunity to join an archery club, while others learned about cooking, gardening, or robotics. A large number of our youth worked with animal science education studying horse, steer, llama, alpaca, sheep, pigs, chickens, rabbits, and/or dogs. Youth had the opportunity to attend workshops, retreats, and overnight events, such as 4-H Capitol Experience, 4-H Great Lakes Natural Resource Camp, and 4-H Exploration Days.
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4-H youth throughout the county continue to draw attention to their achievements and have been recognized with awards, scholarships, and grants. One Grand Traverse County 4-H’er was chosen to receive a $2000 scholarship to attend MSU after high school, based on their written responses to questions about their community involvement, academic ability and long-term goals. Additionally, 8 county youth were the recipients of the Traverse City State Bank 2014 grant for their animal projects. They were selected based on a written grant application and an interview.
» After spending 8 weeks together as members of the brand new United Youth Leadership 4-H Program, 15 high school students are on track to make great leaders. This 4-H program provided the opportunity for youth to understand the role and purpose of local, tribal and state government through experiential and active learning. They toured tribal and county government facilities, attended Tribal Council and Board of Commissioner meetings, completed an intensive issues identification process, made a presentation at a Board of Commissioners meeting, and much more. Participants also spent four days in Lansing attending Michigan 4-H Capitol Experience. There, they attended a legislative breakfast, participated in issue groups, visited with state agencies, lobbyists, and worked on mock legislation at the state capitol. After participating in this program youth found government to be interesting and many desire to participate in the program next year in a leadership role.
» Grand Traverse County 4-H assisted Glenn Loomis school with their garden day activity. Through the 4-H program we were able to host multiple activity stations where over 200 youth explored earth science activities such as seed germination, bee communication, seed sorting, plant growth, and fruit and vegetable classification.
» During the Northwestern Michigan Fair, approximately 100 youth and 50 adults volunteered for a shift in the Grand Traverse County 4-H Food Booth. Each year participants learn about customer service, entrepreneurship, money handling, food service and food safety. This fundraiser helps the 4-H Leaders Association Advisory Board pay for new curriculum, scholarships, volunteer recognition and more.
» Youth who participate in the 4-H International Exchange program travel to the US to live life as part of an American family. This year Grand Traverse County was host to 1 summer student from Japan, 1 from Brazil, and 1 year-long student from Russia. Youth and hosts feel that the experience offers them a bigger world perspective, a cultural education and a “forever” family member! This year’s Russian student, Anna, attended Buckley School and the TBA Career Tech Center while living on a local farm. She joined the 4-H United Youth Leadership program and travelled to Lansing for 4-H Capitol Experience where she met Representative Wayne Schmidt. She enjoyed her experience in the US and hopes to come back to study at a university in the future.
» This past year, Grand Traverse County 4-H was actively involved in numerous events which helped local youth and adults learn more about 4-H. Our youth and adults were busy participating in the Cherry Festival Parade, Cherry Connection and Horse Shows by the Bay. Presentations were given at local schools, and the 4-H tent was a big hit at Friday Night Live as 4-H volunteers assisted the public with crafts and science investigations.
» Much fun was had by all at this year’s Over 80 youth and adult leaders from Grand Traverse County adventured their way through countless amazing activities and sessions during the three-day event on MSU’s campus in June. From crafts to biology, sports to science, classes were offered that suited the interests of everybody. And, during free time, Grand Traverse County youth and adults were treated to behind-the-scenes tours, entertainment, recreational activities, and much more. As one youth noted, “I would definitely recommend Exploration Days to a friend. There is a session to fit everyone’s interests and time left over to explore the campus. Other activities are also set up for participants to enjoy in their free time such as swimming or ice-skating.” It is obvious from the comments of the Exploration Days participants just how valuable this event is. The youth are provided the opportunity to sample college
life a potentially life-changing experience.
» Youth involved in the MI Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) explored potential career pathways and learned a variety of skills designed to prepare them for the workforce. MSU Extension educators offered four skill training sessions; 17 young people who are or have been in foster care participated. After learning a proper business handshake the young adults identified their individual set of skills, completed a mock application, and learned the key elements of a portfolio and resume. The series of trainings ended with the teens practicing their interviewing skills. Feedback from the youth indicates the trainings were successful. The
MYOI coordinator commented, “The kids were really engaged . . . it gets them talking, moving, writing and thinking.”
» Over 250 people attended the educational sessions at the 2014 NW Michigan Orchard & Vineyard Show, held in Acme, Grand Traverse County. Sessions covered a broad range of topics pertinent to tree fruit and grape production, and for the first time ever a session was held for a new fruit crop, saskatoons (also known as juneberries).
» : This program featured speakers from several states, all linked through a live videoconference to participants in Traverse City and Novi. All aspects of establishing vineyards for high quality wine production were presented, including site selection, choosing varieties, planting and care, and costs of production.
» : Regional growers were provided the latest information on herbicides for vineyard weed control by Dr. Wayne Mitchem of North Carolina State University, appearing by a teleconference link to the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center.
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: Duke Elsner and Dr. Paolo Sabbatini led a discussion with local growers on the 2014 devastation of grape production due to severely cold winter temperatures and the cool growing season that followed. The relative success or failure of different varieties to handle the weather was a major part of the discussion.
» Grape variety trials and growing practices research continued in 2013-14. The severe cold in January and February of 2014 caused extensive injury to grape buds; research and demonstration activity related to vine recovery strategies were initiated at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center. Students in the Viticulture and Enology Science & Teaching Alliance (VESTA) received many hours of hands-on experience in the experimental vineyard.
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This was the first collaborative effort between MSU Extension, the MSU Institute of Applied Technology and Northwestern Michigan College to host a conference for northern Michigan grape industry. Ninety people attended the day long program that featured experts in agricultural weather, geography, horticulture, cold climate viticulture and unmanned aerial systems for agriculture studies.
» : This organization, which was formed locally by growers and people interested in marketing this fruit, met in Traverse City for a day-long retreat to discuss production and marketing issues, regional, national and world food supply issues and other topics which could influence the future of this crop.
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This was held in collaboration with the Benzie-Manistee Horticultural Society and MSU AgBioResearch. At this interactive workshop, MSU Tree Fruit Horticulturalist and Physiologist, Dr. Greg Lang, demonstrated pruning techniques for high-density sweet cherries on-site at a local orchard and at the Northwest MI Horticultural Research Center. MSU Extension Tree Fruit Educator, Phil Schwallier presented precision orchard management information and demonstrated techniques in high-density apples. This management strategy was developed at Cornell University and was intended to increase apple farm profitability by precisely managing fruit size and fruit quality. Precision management includes several management practices, such as pruning, thinning, fertilizing, irrigating, and harvest timing, as all of these decisions will affect fruit size and crop value.
» Participants visited eight locations to learn about high density apple and cherry orchard production, new harvesting approaches, apple packing line technology, growing and marketing hops and creative ideas for farm markets. Many participants of the two-day tour were members of the
, an effort put together by Extension Educators Nikki Rothwell, Erin Lizotte and Rob Sirrine to support and educate young farmers of northwest Michigan on leadership, agricultural production, farm management and marketing.
» is a two-day program covering the fundamentals of IPM and identifying resources and technology for sustainable agricultural practitioners. This program is a collaboration between 20 Extension field-based educators and campus specialists. Timely topics such as extreme weather effects or newly introduced pests are identified and featured. Academy participants gain a solid foundation in sustainable pest management, knowledge of MSU and its partners’ resources, and the ability to share this knowledge with their farm clientele. The Academy’s long-term goal is to increase sustainable agriculture through expanded awareness and adoption of IPM strategies that improve crop efficiency, minimize pesticide use and enhance environmental quality.
» To help growers minimize production risks in the 2014 season, experts presented information on potential pest and disease challenges and management strategies for these pests and diseases. Topics included new insecticides and fungicides registered for use on pome and stone fruits, pesticide label updates, and efficacy of pesticides for pests and diseases in apples and cherries. There was also discussion on best management practices for bees in the coming season, and an introductory demonstration on how to use Enviro-weather for forecasting weather and predicting/monitoring pest and disease development.
» was held at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Center, hosted by Dr. Theresa Pitts-Singer from the Logan Bee Lab, Logan, UT. This meeting was funded in part by NC-SARE as pollination is one of the primary initiatives for 2014. Dr. Pitts-Singer is also part of the SCRI pollination project and is the alternative pollinator objective lead for this project. Osmia cornifrons, commonly known as hornfaced bees, will be used at six cherry sites in northwest Michigan to potentially improve crop pollination.
» was held at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center(NWMHRC) early March 2014. This workshop, and other trainings across Michigan, was part of a statewide effort to deliver educational programming on irrigation and fertigation to farmers. Guest speaker Denise Nielsen from Pacific Agri-food Research Center in British Columbia presented valuable information on both irrigation and fertigation in apples and cherries, and discussed the importance of monitoring soil moisture and nutrient availability and uptake, as well as optimal timing for water and nutrient applications that corresponds to fruit tree growth and development during the growing season. Additionally, local experts and Extension Educators presented information on water-use rights, the relationship of soil characteristics and irrigation, generally accepted agricultural and management practices related to on-farm irrigation, drip irrigation, optimizing scheduled irrigation and designing irrigation systems, and on-farm experiences with irrigation.
» assists farmers, agriculturally-related businesses, industries, families, and individuals with business planning, income tax, cropland leasing and oil and gas leasing information. The Michigan Cash Cropland Lease Template has been created, so producers no longer have to use lease templates from other states, which may not comply with Michigan laws and conditions. This is a document that can be filled out on a home computer. In addition, landowners used the oil and gas web page and the farm management web page.
» was an educational effort to help dairy producers, feed consultants and other industry professionals who work with dairy producers learn about specific ways that feed shrink costs and specific things that producers can do to reduce shrink and therefore, costs. Shrink has been called the 3rd or 4th highest cost in producing milk on well-managed farms. The MSU Dairy Team developed talks and a program to educate about the issue and scheduled 5 meetings around Michigan to present it. In addition, information from the effort has been shared in articles, newsletters and at other meetings.
» MSU Extension partnered with Farm Bureau, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and local representatives from the Workforce Development Agency and local Michigan Migrant Resource Council Services to coordinate meetings designed to address areas of concern identified by producers, such as I-9 compliance, staying current on labor law requirements, and hiring/retaining quality labor. Seven meetings were coordinated across Michigan with meetings being hosted at the Northwest MI Horticulture Research Center and Cadillac for area growers. Total statewide participation in the programs was over 300. Participants indicated an increase in their management skills and that job retention would increase on their farms as a result of the programs.
» is not keeping up with world dairy demand. Even though US production is increasing and exports of products are increasing, the US cannot feed the world. It will take the further development of dairy industry in other countries. The Ukrainian Dairy Producers Association (UDPA) provides assistance to dairy farm members in the form of consulting, education, product purchases and more. The association employs dairy advisors to work with member farms. Opportunities for partnership with Ukraine and with the Producers Association could mean increased support for MSU. Extension Educators Phil Durst and Stan Moore have developed contacts with the CEO of the UDPA, and Durst has traveled to the Ukraine to meet with Dairy Advisors and deliver presentations on farms and at the Dairy Congress. As the dairy industry develops in Ukraine, it will also fuel the demand for equipment, products and services that can be provided by the US and by MI. In the process of helping the Ukrainian dairy industry develop, greater expertise will be gained that can be applied to the MI dairy industry.
» assists county residents in developing products and businesses in the areas of food, agriculture, natural resources and the bio economy. The innovation counselor has special training to deliver these services to local residents. Business counseling is conducted on a one-on-one basis and may take place at the MSUE office or the client’s home or business location. The assistance provided is tailored to meet the needs of the client and may include things like developing a business plan, navigating the regulatory maze, accessing the supply chain or seeking funding options. The innovation counselor also assists clients in accessing specialized services they may need that are offered through Michigan State University like feasibility studies, nutritional labeling and packaging assistance.
One hundred twenty-three counseling sessions took place in Grand Traverse County to assist 29 entrepreneurs in starting new businesses and expanding existing businesses. Two new ventures were launched. Many of the businesses that were assisted were food processors. These businesses were able to access technical expertise in food product testing, classification, labeling and packaging. The partnership between MSUE and the MSU Product Center Food-Ag-Bio is providing support for entrepreneurs in supporting economic development across the region.
» Extension Educator Dr. Rob Sirrine continued work as the president of the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance non-profit organization that is managing development of the Grand Traverse Food Innovation Hub. Slated for completion in November 2014, the hub is co-located with Cherry Capital Foods and will house several value-added processing businesses including: raw juice, specialty cheese producer, hops processor, vegetable washing, processing, and aggregation, humus producer, and a tofu producer. The GTFA received funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for this project. The GTFA board is comprised of several community food system leaders throughout the Grand Traverse Region.
» There is increasing interest within Michigan amongst craft brewers in sourcing locally grown malting barley for use in specialty beers. With the rise of the locavore movement, there is a distinct enthusiasm amongst consumers for locally sourced products. There are nearly 150 craft breweries in the state, of which nearly all the beer produced comes from out-of-state malt. One of the major challenges amongst producers willing to grow barley for malt production is varietal information that is specific to both yield and malt characteristics. Furthermore, the lack of in-state processing options (malthouse) limits production potential. A group of MSUE educators and their colleagues at
the MSUE U.P. Research and Extension Center received a project GREEEN grant for a proposal entitled: “Determining the economic feasibility of malting barley in Northern Michigan through performance trials and malt characteristic analysis. “ The four replicated trials are located in the Upper Peninsula (2), Leelanau County, and Presque Isle County. With committed matching dollars from the TBEDC, the grant also helped fund a Small-Medium Size Malting Facility Feasibility Study that was recently completed by the MSU Product Center. MSUE will be analyzing quality and performance data from the 2014 crop and delivering results through programs and publications.
» MSUE survey results suggest there were over 200 acres of hops and eight processing operations in Michigan in 2013 and likely over 400 planted in 2014. Leelanau County continues to lead in hops production across Michigan. An increase in the geographic diversity of hops production outside of the Pacific Northwest has been encouraged by craft brewers and the Brewers Association, a national brewers organization whose mission is “To promote and protect small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts.” With support from a thriving craft brewing industry, many growers across the region are beginning to recognize the potential financial benefits of increasing farm diversity and/or expanding their current agricultural operations to include hops. In order to continue to grow and support Michigan’s hop industry, there are several key challenges that MSUE is helping to address, including: identification of appropriate cultivar selections and best management practices for Michigan production; sufficient supply of certified pest and disease free plants for purchase by Michigan hop growers; educational programs and outreach efforts to address growing interest in hops production; and a sustainable supply of Michigan grown hops that meet the specific quality and pricing needs of brewers.
A Project GREEEN grant was received by area MSUE Educators entitled: “Demonstration, education, and outreach to enhance Michigan’s Hops Industry.” A group of MSUE Educators and their colleagues from other universities in the region also received a North Central Region Center for Rural Development grant for their proposal: “Facilitating Rural Development in the greater Great Lakes Region: Development of a regional collaborative to support sustainable hops production.”
MSUE has presented a number of educational programs on this topic this year, including a Beginning Farmer Series Webinar, “Getting started with Hops Production,” attended by over 100 people, and the Annual NW MI Hop Tour, with 90+ participants.
» brings county commissioners together from 33 counties in northern lower Michigan to learn about issues important to county government, and to share information and learn from the experiences of others. Recent topics include: trails, recycling, Michigan’s Prosperity Regions, DNR public land management strategy, Great Lakes levels, building trust, and the impacts of these issues on county government services. Monthly meetings also include a legislative update from the Michigan Association of Counties.
» MSUE teamed up with the MI-Place Partnership Initiative to introduce a new curriculum devoted solely to placemaking. The MI-Place Partnership Initiative is a statewide initiative made up of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the MSU Land Policy Institute, and other statewide organizations with the purpose of restoring economic prosperity to Michigan. The Advanced Academy attracts graduates of the Citizen Planner program - planning commissioners, professional planners, and elected officials - and the launch of the new placemaking curriculum at this year’s event provided participants with the advanced tools and innovative techniques needed to undertake master plan updates, zoning ordinance amendments, and placemaking initiatives for success in the New Economy.
» program, in collaboration with Tribal Nations of Michigan (UTM), provides a capacity building training curriculum that is based on the needs identified by key tribal stakeholders. The four key modules are: Tribal Council Roles and Responsibilities, Fiscal Management in Indian Country, Historical Overview: Anishinabek Tribes in Michigan and The Interaction with State and Federal Governments, and Conducting Effective Meetings. All of Michigan Tribal Nations leadership is invited to attend this training. Through a partnership with the UTM, BSSN has been included as a pre-training event prior to their fall quarterly meeting in October, hosted by a different tribal nation each year.
» MSUE is engaged with Tribal Leaders and Tribal Citizens in creating a plan to improve factors important to the well-being of Tribal Children, ages 0-8. This includes quality education, safe communities, and good health. This initiative is in partnership with the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and is financially supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. MSU Extension workshop sessions offer participants an opportunity to practice new skills in leading a group discussion, reaching consensus, encouraging creativity, setting outcome-based goals for meeting, keeping a group focused, and creating action plans. Participants will engage in a visioning process to help determine the scope of the Initiative.
» hosted a forum on varying lake levels at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. Over 160 people in attendance heard updates from the Chief of Hydrology of the US Army Corps of Engineers and speakers from Northwestern MI College and Michigan Sea Grant. Key issues for permitting needs in 2013 were addressed by permitting agencies from the MDEQ and US Army Corps of Engineers.
Michigan Sea Grant also co-hosted the at the Hagerty Center. Over 170 people attended and heard a panel presentation on lake levels as well as a keynote on Asian carp from the Deputy Director for Carp from the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Michigan Sea Grant hosted the and approximately 100 interested anglers attended. Updates were provided on invasives, food-web, prey-fish populations and general Lake Michigan fishery issues.
Michigan Sea Grant’s , Liz Durfee, completed The Coastal Community Working Waterfront Report, including 11 case studies, detailing national and state trends related to waterfront planning and use.
» MSU Extension staff collaborate with the USDA Forest Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and NFPA’s Firewise Communities program to provide leadership and assistance to homeowners, communities, fire departments and government officials with how to manage the increasing wildfire threat and keep our homes and communities safe from wildfire. Late in 2013, new materials were developed to offer Firewise zoning options for local planning & zoning officials and to address wildfire issues faced by Great Lakes shoreline residents.
is an initiative created out of the Manistee Extension office during 2013 to better serve the specific needs of Michigan agriculture with regard to fire safety and fire use on the farm. The initiative helps those working in agriculture understand Michigan’s agricultural burning laws and guidelines, use fire safely and productively, and protect farms and agricultural economies from negative fire impacts. This year, MSUE Firewise Field Assistant Jed Jaworski researched the potential impact of “smoke taint” on Michigan’s fruit and burgeoning wine grape industry and produced a flyer alerting growers and producers to risks and mitigation strategies.
» MSU Extension addresses violence and bullying prevention through its focus on social and emotional health, with the overarching goal of helping young people and adults learn to foster safe, affirming and inclusive relationships and settings that are free from violence, abuse, bullying and harassment.
» is an MSU Extension initiative designed to help communities learn about and address these issues. Be SAFE offers a variety of educational resources to help communities reduce and prevent bullying behaviors while promoting healthy social and emotional learning and development. The initiative focuses on helping adults consider ways to do this within all of the settings where young people live, learn, grow and develop – including out-of-school time settings. Be SAFE resources include the Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments curriculum and face-to-face and online workshops for adults. During 2013, a series of workshops for parents and caregivers was also developed and piloted.
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is a half-day workshop designed for adults who live with, care about and work with young people. Community members including those who work in schools, youth and family agencies, youth organizations (such as 4-H, Scouts, and Boys and Girls Clubs), juvenile justice, faith-based communities, recreation departments and other community groups – as well as parents and caregivers – come together to explore ways to address these important issues.
As a result of participating in 28 of these workshops held statewide, these percentages of participants indicated “agree” or “strongly agree” for the following: 91% reported having a greater understanding about different types of
bullying behaviors and how they can affect all those involved (those who are targeted, those who carry out the behaviors and those who witness the behaviors).
89% reported having a greater understanding about the connections between bullying and human differences based on class, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, etc.
85% reported being able to more clearly distinguish between bullying behaviors and harassment behaviors.
93% reported understanding the importance of addressing issues of bullying at multiple levels (personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural).
86% reported developing new skills for interrupting bullying behaviors and for supporting those who are targeted.
87% reported an increase in awareness of programs and resources for addressing these issues.
» MSUE programs aim to help children, adults and seniors incorporate healthy and affordable nutrition choices into their lifestyles while increasing physical activity for an overall increased community well-being. Through our educational programs, adults learn about MyPyramid and MyPlate; making the most of their food dollars; menu planning; understanding a recipe; keeping food safe; nutrition and health; improving physical activity and feeding a family.
» provides nutrition education to eligible adults and children. This
program focuses on increasing physical activity and improving dietary quality while stretching food dollars. The ultimate goal of these programs is to promote healthy weight maintenance and obesity prevention. During the past year in Grand Traverse County, 337 adults and 346 youth were reached through nutrition education classes at various venues in the county. There were 2,190 contacts with these groups in total.
Youth programming continues to be a cornerstone of educational programming in Grand Traverse County. Children participate in a six-week series of lessons using Show Me Nutrition, a curriculum that teaches youths from preschool through junior high how to have a healthy lifestyle. Several important health themes are taught in each grade level, such as nutrition, food safety, physical activity, media influence and body image, and the grade levels are designed for continuity. Age-appropriate content, activities and handouts make learning about healthy eating fun for students in all grade levels. The students especially enjoy the food samples which reinforce the learning lessons that week like yogurt parfaits and low-fat dairy. Keeping the students on their feet and physically active is another favorite part of the class time as well.
MSUE also provided nutrition education to eligible WIC families on the benefits of including fruits and vegetables in their diet though Project FRESH. Participants increased the quality of their diet by purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables from Grand Traverse County farmer’s markets . These coupons were redeemed for over $7,000 in funds for produce grown by local farmers.
As with all Health and Nutrition Institute education programs, success is determined not only by the number of individuals our staff worked with, but more importantly, how their knowledge or behavior was changed as a result of attending the classes.
Adult Program Impacts: 99% of class participants demonstrated adoption of healthy eating practices. 96% of Project Fresh participants reported that they will eat more fresh
fruits and vegetables each day. 89% of Project Fresh participants reported that they learned more ways to
incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals.
64% of participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices: using grocery lists, comparing prices, planning meals, not running out of food.
Youth Program Impacts 85% of school teachers reported students can identify food groups correctly. 94% of school teachers reported children being more aware of the
importance of healthy nutrition. 82% of school teachers reported children are more willing to try new foods. 81% of school teachers reported that children improved hand washing.
MSU Extension works with BrickWays, a Grand Traverse County nonprofit corporation that provides affordable housing and independent living support to adults with developmental disabilities. MSUE Nutrition Instructor, Michelle Smith, has taught BrickWay residents important life skills toward a more independent, healthier lifestyle through a six-week series called Cooking Matters. They learn the basics of cooking, including how to use a knife safely, and making healthier meals from scratch. As part of the class, participants take a tour of a local grocery store to learn more about shopping on a budget and choosing healthier products. “One particular participant, Eddie, stood out during the series. From the very start, he let me know that he did not care for vegetables, and would politely turn down the chance to taste the recipe he helped to create. As the series went on, I noticed Eddie participating more and showing more enthusiasm for class. By the fourth week, he felt comfortable enough to try a bite of Ratatouille, a vegetable dish. He even asked for seconds. I could see his comfort level increase with every class. “
» MSU Extension food safety education programs help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures a safer food supply for consumers – whether that is at food retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets or community meals served by organizations. MSU Extension food safety education programs train participants to prevent incidents of foodborne illness associated with unsafe food handling practices, which results in fewer medical expenses, fewer food recalls, and less temporary or permanent closures of food businesses by local health departments. Costs of illness, recalls, and food business closures are more expensive from a public health perspective than taking an inexpensive class to learn how to prepare food safely and preserve food correctly.
As a result of attending the food preservation workshops: 95% know where to locate research-based recipes for home food preservation. 96% will follow research based recipes when canning/preserving food at home. 97% will use proper processing techniques to safely preserve foods. 87% will use correct processing times to safely preserve low foods.
» Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health issues. Leading a healthy lifestyle, paired with supportive environments, greatly reduces a person’s risk for developing chronic disease. Access to high-quality and affordable prevention measures are essential to saving lives, reducing disability and lowering costs for medical care.
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, heart disease, cancer and stroke are leading causes of death, with lower respiratory, or diseases of the lung following close behind. In addition, over 95% of Michigan adults report behaviors that lead to many chronic diseases, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and alcohol use. According to the latest Community Health Needs Assessment, obesity and chronic disease prevention were identified as a top priority among stakeholders in Grand Traverse County.
A new educator was hired in May of 2014 to provide programming specific to chronic disease prevention and management (DPM). Sarah Eichberger MPH, RD is based in Grand Traverse County and will serve a nine county northwestern Michigan region. Eichberger’s efforts to date have been spent initiating conversations with current and potential future stakeholders, representing MSUE Health & Nutrition at local events such as the Grand Traverse County health fair and National Cherry Festival, and supporting capacity within the DPM team to expand programming efforts that utilize a systems, or public health approach. Program offerings will continue to include the self-management program, Personal Action Towards Health (PATH), with future work being developed to offer Dining with Diabetes, a menu of one-time presentations specific to chronic disease prevention and exploration of MSU Extension cross-institute and work team programming to maximize impact and reach.
» provides the skills and tools to manage chronic health conditions. People who participate in PATH workshops are better equipped to face the daily challenges of living with one or more chronic conditions. Through PATH, participants learn to deal with the challenges of not feeling well, talk to healthcare providers and family members, overcome stress and relax, increase their energy, handle everyday activities more easily, stay independent and set goals. During the 2013-2014 programming year, 240 PATH workshops were held across the state, with a total of 2,673 participants attending at least one session. Five workshops were held in Grand Traverse County, including two focused specifically on diabetes and one on chronic pain.
is entering the 14th year of providing safety focused education and information to the residents of Grand Traverse County. In addition, Kohl’s 4-Season Safety (focused specifically on helmets/wheeled sports and delivered by Safe Kids North Shore) is beginning its 8th year of programming through a continued partnership between MSU Extension and Munson Trauma Services.
Unintentional injuries remain the number one killer of children ages 1-14 in the United States and in Michigan. These are injuries that are predictable (in nature) and therefore preventable. Safe Kids North Shore uses research-based curriculums provided by Safe Kids Worldwide to bring educational opportunities to schools, health fairs, private offices/agencies and other venues.
Safe Kids North Shore is also a proud partner of Grand Traverse Metro Fire’s Risk Watch program, which brings area safety experts into the schools to offer presentations on different risk areas each month. Risk areas that are addressed by Safe Kids North Shore and Kohl's 4 Season Safety include: car seat safety, in and around vehicle safety, distracted driving, hyperthermia/heat stroke, bike and wheeled sports safety, winter safety, water safety, sports safety and concussion
prevention.
Following are some highlights of 2013 programming:
Direct contact injury prevention programming to 8,528 persons.
Indirect contact was made to over 4,000 adults through flyers and brochures distributed at events, doctor offices, urgent care, emergency room, etc.
1,137 safety related devices were distributed, all purchased with grant support.
Over 30 agencies/businesses partner with Safe Kids North Shore.
Approximately 550 volunteer or in-kind hours were spent on injury prevention programming.
Next year both Safe Kids and Kohl's 4 Season Safety will expand to include sports safety/concussion prevention related programming.
» Safe Kids North Shore continues to oversee and provide required certification education and skills assessments to approximately 40 Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in the Grand Traverse region. Safe Kids North Shore held a 4-day class in May certifying 16 new Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
Car seat inspection stations are held the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month year-round. A total of 241 car seat inspections were provided this year through these stations, with an additional 200+ more provided off-site by our local technicians. Of the participants that attend the inspection stations, 75.52% were new participants that had never completed an inspection prior.
“In and Around Cars” and pedestrian safety was taught at schools participating in Risk Watch, as well as at local Halloween events. Awareness regarding seat belt fit, trunk entrapment, hyperthermia, back-overs, onStar and safe pedestrian habits were brought to students as well as adult participants.
» Water Safety: Recreational water events such as the TC Waterman benefited from over 100 personal floatation devices (PFDs) being fitted/distributed to youth. Along with PFD distribution, water safety information was shared, such as rip current awareness/navigation and drowning prevention tips.
Safe Kids North Shore Coordinator, Jennifer Ritter, currently serves as co-chair for the Northwest MI Water Safety Network, a coalition of community agencies that formed last year in response to recent drownings in the area.
» Winter Safety: “CHILL OUT for Winter Safety” continued to be taught in schools through Kohl’s 4 Season Safety program. Over 2,200 students participated in the program either through Risk Watch or by their school’s individual request. Winter events such as the Annual Fife Lake Cardboard Sled Derby requested winter safety information be available at their event as well as helmets distributed to participants that did not bring one. Helmet checks were provided for all other participants. Howe Arena was given helmets through the Kohl’s 4 Season Safety program to enhance their helmet loaner program.
» Driver Safety: “3D” (Diminish Distracted Driving) continued its partnership with the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s office and the Michigan State Police. Over 1,000 high school students participated in this program, which heightens awareness about the outcomes of distracted driving and provides actions to take to minimize distractions. Some local businesses requested and benefited from the program as well. Over 90% of participating teens stated that they engaged in risky driving behaviors because they see their parents do it.
Mature Drivers experience driving difficulties that arise as a result of the normal aging process. These issues may include: reduction in height, limited range of motion, distorted peripheral vision, additional medications and more. Tips for mature drivers were presented at the Senior Expo as well as at other venues for senior citizens.
» Bicycle & Wheeled Sports Safety was provided through the Kohl's 4 Season Safety program. Local youth participated in bike rodeos, school programs, bike-
to-school events and helmet presentations. Over 350 helmets were distributed during such events to youth who had a helmet that was broken or didn’t fit, or if they did not own a helmet but expressed interest in wearing one.
